California Feelin' (versions)

[Loaf]

I'm trying to sort out my various BB boots to put on my ipod in chronological order. I know, how cool am I!? I'm in good company

Anyway, i have three versions of California Feelin' and I was hoping someone could clarify for the dates they were recorded.

I have Brian's version from 2001/2 on the Brian-curated compilation, but i also have 2 70s-sounding versions. One has Carl singing, which sounds like the version Brian did. It has more prominent backing vocals and a synth and organ.

The other version is more basic, piano-based at the start, there is some organ and guitar but no synth, and has either Brian or Al singing. I would guess Al doing his most Brian-like voice.

I love this song, and can't believe they never put it out in their lifetime. Now where's that boxset?

[Andrew G. Doe]

I'm trying to sort out my various BB boots to put on my ipod in chronological order. I know, how cool am I!? I'm in good company

Anyway, i have three versions of California Feelin' and I was hoping someone could clarify for the dates they were recorded.

I have Brian's version from 2001/2 on the Brian-curated compilation, but i also have 2 70s-sounding versions. One has Carl singing, which sounds like the version Brian did. It has more prominent backing vocals and a synth and organ.

The other version is more basic, piano-based at the start, there is some organ and guitar but no synth, and has either Brian or Al singing. I would guess Al doing his most Brian-like voice.

I love this song, and can't believe they never put it out in their lifetime. Now where's that boxset?

Unless you've got something extraordinary, 'the other version' is the 1977 American Spring recording with Rocky Pamplin on lead vocal. The version with carl taking the lead hails from 1978.

[Loaf]

Rocky Pamplin? His voice is pretty good!

[grillo]

Even though most will disagree, I also think Pamplin's vox are great, certainly way better than Carl's laconic attempt. But what of the mysterious BW version from the early 70's...?

[♩♬🐸 Billy C ♯♫♩🐇]

It's never been booted, and there are maybe 5 people on the board who have heard it. Sadly, I'm not one of them.

[matt-zeus]

Rocky Pamplin? His voice is pretty good!

I'd definitely agree, I think the Pamplin one is the best one though has the poorest reputation. The track isn't as plodding and the production is brought out a bit more, I like Rockys voice, its a bit Hasselhoff-esque but at least he sounds like he's interested. As for the track though, its a bit dull, I have a feeling that Brians demo is the one that might trump them all!

[Dancing Bear]

Carl's version sounds better when speeded up.

[c-man]

There may be yet another (unheard) version somewhere in the vaults...Bruce has said he sang on "a couple" of Beach Boys versions, one being the 1978 "L.A." outtake.  Apparently (from those who've heard it), the 1974 version is just Brian and a piano.

[adamghost]

There may be yet another (unheard) version somewhere in the vaults...Bruce has said he sang on "a couple" of Beach Boys versions, one being the 1978 "L.A." outtake.  Apparently (from those who've heard it), the 1974 version is just Brian and a piano.

I am aware of a 1978 version that has a (disinterested) Brian lead vocal.

[phirnis]

So why was California Feelin' not released on the Light Album?

[pixletwin]

It's never been booted, and there are maybe 5 people on the board who have heard it. Sadly, I'm not one of them.

Me neither and its truly one of the Holy Grails of Bootlegs for me. I just hope Brian releases it someday. 

[c-man]

So why was California Feelin' not released on the Light Album?

Reportedly because Brian didn't want it to be.  Whether he was dissatisfied with that version, or he wanted to hold it for someone else (American Spring?) I do not know.

[mikeyj]

So why was California Feelin' not released on the Light Album?

Reportedly because Brian didn't want it to be.  Whether he was dissatisfied with that version, or he wanted to hold it for someone else (American Spring?) I do not know.

Were American Spring still around at that stage?

[pixletwin]

I doubt Brian's version of CF would have been considered for L.A. or MIU since he recorded it in 1974.

[mikeyj]

I doubt Brian's version of CF would have been considered for L.A. or MIU since he recorded it in 1974.

There may be yet another (unheard) version somewhere in the vaults...Bruce has said he sang on "a couple" of Beach Boys versions, one being the 1978 "L.A." outtake.

I am aware of a 1978 version that has a (disinterested) Brian lead vocal.

[MBE]

Bruce didn't like it is why it wasn't on LA Light

[XY]

Is the 1974 piano version the one which was recorded in the studio by Brian and engineered by Jim Lockhart? According to Steve Kalinich, that's the best version.

[matt-zeus]

I doubt Brian's version of CF would have been considered for L.A. or MIU since he recorded it in 1974.

That didn't stop Sunflower outtakes turning up in the late 70s though - susie cincinatti, Good time, When girls get together...

[Smilin Ed H]

An early title for MIU was California Feelin', but BW didn't want to let them use the track!  Was it recorded for MIU?  Is it the same version that didn't make it to LA?  If so, Bruce would've appeared on every album since he first joined them.  Carl's lead on this version sounds a bit perfunctory, but the hamrony vocals are pretty good.

[c-man]

No, it wasn't the 1974 Brian sung version that was considered for release on "L.A.", but rather the version produced by Brian at Criteria in Miami in Aug/Sept '78, which is the bootlegged version (Carl's lead on the verses, Bruce's on the choruses). 

Come to think of it...it was the earlier "MIU" version which Brian insisted not be included on the last Warners album (originally to be titled "California Feeling", then "Winds Of Change", and finally "The MIU Album").  That version was earmarked for American Spring, which at that time consisted of Rocky Pamplin and the Rovell Sisters.  So in other words, Brian didn't want it on what became "MIU" because he wanted Spring to do it.  He recut it with the Beach Boys in Miami for inclusion on "L.A." but it didn't make the cut (when asked for David Leaf's 'Pet Sounds' fanzine what songs would be on the next LP, Bruce said "A heavy 'no' on 'California Feelin'"). 

[pixletwin]

I doubt Brian's version of CF would have been considered for L.A. or MIU since he recorded it in 1974.

That didn't stop Sunflower outtakes turning up in the late 70s though - susie cincinatti, Good time, When girls get together...

Thats true. The thought occured to me once I had posted it... But really the important thing is for Brian to release the 74 Version. COME ONE BRIAN!!!! 

[pixletwin]

Which version is this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0EKAR_KJR0

[Wrightfan]

Which version is this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0EKAR_KJR0

That's the Rocky version I believe.

[Jason]

Rocky Pamplin's version. The Honeys are on it too.

[pixletwin]

I thought so but I could barely hear the Honey's on background at all in this.